Football: Celtic have faith in O'Neill

Celtic fans insist they have every faith in Martin O'Neill staying loyal to the Parkhead club in the face of constant reports linking the Irishman with the vacant Leeds job.

Speculation has been rife that O'Neill is on his way to Yorkshire ever since David O'Leary departed the Elland Road hotseat last week.

However, Celtic maintain they have not been approached over a possible move for the former Leicester boss and the Bhoys' faithful are backing O'Neill to stay north of the border.

O'Neill has a year left to run on his Parkhead contract and Celtic Supporters Association chief Jim Divers told Sky Sports News: "He is a man of principle and honour.

"When Alex Ferguson was saying he was going to retire he reiterated what we all know that he is going to do, and that is stay at Celtic Park and see out his contract."

One bookmaking firm has still stopped taking bets on O'Neill to make the switch to Leeds, although United yesterday confirmed that they have yet to approach any possible successors to O'Leary.

A statement on the club's official website, www.leedsunited.com, read: "Leeds United have narrowed down a list of candidates as they prepare to fill the managerial void at Elland Road.

"The board have narrowed down their shortlist and have agreed on a definite order of preference, with up to four candidates now in the frame.

"The board of directors met on Sunday to discuss the candidates and a decision as to which course of action to take was made, but no official approaches have yet been made and it is understood that nothing will happen for the next 48 hours.

"Chairman Peter Ridsdale is expected to start to make formal approaches to the preferred candidates after that time."